Topical Bible: Riches: The Wicked: Often Increase In

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In the biblical narrative, the theme of the wicked prospering in their riches is a recurring motif that raises questions about justice and divine providence. The Scriptures acknowledge that those who engage in unrighteousness often experience material success, which can be perplexing to the faithful.

Psalm 73:3-12 provides a poignant reflection on this issue. The psalmist confesses, "For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggle in their death; their bodies are well-fed. They are free of the burdens others carry; they are not afflicted like other men." This passage highlights the apparent ease and abundance that the wicked enjoy, leading to envy and confusion among the righteous.

Jeremiah 12:1-2 also addresses this theme, as the prophet questions God: "Righteous are You, O LORD, when I plead with You; yet I would speak with You about Your judgments. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease? You planted them, and they have taken root; they grow and produce fruit." Here, Jeremiah grapples with the prosperity of the wicked, acknowledging that their success seems to contradict divine justice.

In the Book of Job, the prosperity of the wicked is a central issue. Job laments, "Why do the wicked live on, growing old and increasing in power? Their homes are safe and free from fear; the rod of God is not upon them." (Job 21:7-9) Job's friends argue that suffering is a result of sin, yet Job observes that the wicked often thrive, challenging simplistic notions of retributive justice.

The Book of Proverbs offers wisdom on the fleeting nature of ill-gotten wealth. Proverbs 11:28 warns, "He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf." This suggests that while the wicked may increase in riches, their trust in wealth is ultimately misplaced.

Ecclesiastes 8:14 further explores the paradox of the wicked prospering: "There is a futility that is done on the earth: there are righteous men who get what the actions of the wicked deserve, and there are wicked men who get what the actions of the righteous deserve." This observation underscores the complexity and seeming injustice of earthly life.

The New Testament also addresses the issue. In James 5:1-6, the apostle warns the rich oppressors: "Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail for the misery to come upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and consume your flesh like fire." James emphasizes the temporary nature of ill-gotten wealth and the judgment that awaits those who exploit others.

Throughout Scripture, the prosperity of the wicked serves as a test of faith for the righteous, who are called to trust in God's ultimate justice and sovereignty. The Bible consistently affirms that while the wicked may increase in riches, their success is temporary and ultimately subject to divine judgment.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 73:12
Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of the Chief Good and virtue, and or Knowledge and Righteousness.
... sought, for they see that it is often sought unjustly ... what advantage is to be sought
from riches, I will ... true; for to proclaim enmity against the wicked, or to ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap vi of the chief good.htm

Tenth Commandment
... We often say that they will make better treasurers just ... David said: "The wicked boasteth
of his heart's desire ... have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/tenth commandment.htm

The Danger of Riches
... account are liable to be pronounced wicked, because unprofitable ... know that in seeking
happiness from riches, you are ... You are often fretful; you feel, nay, and ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 87 the danger of.htm

The Character and Supports of Widows Indeed.
... It is more commonly the state of the wicked. ... kind of trial, [prosperity] hath more
often seduced them ... baleful effects of power and greatness, riches and honor ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxiv the character and.htm

"Who Will Rise up with Me against the Wicked?"
... of some to "rise up against the wicked," and join ... delivered again and again, which
were as often set at ... is no more to be attended to than the riches or eminence ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 52 who will rise.htm

Spiritual Gifts.
... exalt itself against Thee, and also all wicked counsels devised ... of Him and of all
His riches and gifts ... its external form, frequently changing, often impure, yet ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxxvii spiritual gifts.htm

Homilies on the Statues.
... 800]389; object of, [801]401; with the wicked in guilt ... the afflictions of the saints,
[1435]339; riches of no ... Laughter often leads to sin, [1463]442; how to be ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/homilies on the statues.htm

Sermon for the Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity
... thee from the carking cares of this false, wicked world, that ... we ask for is God Himself
with all His riches. ... believe and trust Him; thus God often suffers men ...
/.../xxiv sermon for the fifteenth.htm

Letter cxlvii. To Sabinianus.
... in the world; they increase in riches." [3957] Then ... the children of Israel, although
God had often prophesied to ... turn away from them?" It is wicked, God says ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxlvii to sabinianus.htm

Again on the Calamity of the City of Antioch. ...
... accuse the works of God, but the wicked choice of ... Riches are not able to profit the
little-minded: nor ... Thus laughter often gives birth to foul discourse, and ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xv again on the.htm